Obituary

Melissa Marie Hampton, affectionately known as ‘Big Granny’, age 49, of Forest Hill Drive, Boone, died Saturday, January 5, 2013. Melissa was born May 15, 1963 in Columbia, South Carolina. She was formerly employed as a secretary for the Watauga County Hunger and Health Coalition.
Miss Hampton is survived by her parents, Dale and Marie Gambill Hampton of Boone; son, Robert Kennedy and daughter, Mariah Kennedy, both of Boone; four grandchildren, Rieghly Yeoman, Donivn Harris, Tierra Kennedy and Bianna Kennedy all of Boone; and brother, Ronald Hampton and fiancé, Beth, of Boone.
Memorial services will be conducted Friday, January 11, 2013, at 2 PM at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Pastor Roy Dobyns. The family will receive friends Friday from 1 until 2 o’clock, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes.
The family suggests memorials to the Watauga Humane Society, PO Box 1835, Boone, or the First Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, 375 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at the website austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Hampton family